Homeowners without access to public sewers can use septic tanks to treat and dispose of wastewater. Most of them do not have a profound understanding of the septic system, apart from the fact that their house has a septic system and needs a regular septic tank pumping in port orchard to maintain its functioning. However, if you are unaware of septic tanks and how they work, you can experience many frustrations.
The key to ensuring that your septic system remains in good condition is to learn about it as much as possible. The more information you have about your septic system, the more likely you will be able to maintain it properly and know what to do if something goes wrong.
This list of 8 unique features of a septic system might help you make a decision if your home needs a septic tank or not.
Lesser known things about Septic Tanks that might fascinate you!
Pumping schedules vary from home to home
The septic tank needs to be pumped every three to five years. Depending on the size of your tank, your usage habits, and the age of the system, your pumping frequency will vary. Get in touch with a professional to determine when to schedule a pumping and inspection.
Every little thing can’t be flushed away.
You shouldn’t flush anything just because it fits in the toilet. Organic waste is the only waste that should be flushed into the septic system. Septic systems are delicate, and flushing non-biodegradable items can clog backup and damage pipes.
You should not flush the following items down the toilet:
- Wipes for babies
- Hair
- Grease, fats, or oils used in cooking
- Heavy paper towels
- Cigarette butts
The problematic items above must be removed since they interfere with the system’s ability to break down waste. This leads to increased costs of septic tank pumping in Shelton for homeowners.
You Need Good Bacteria to Run Your System
The word waste is often associated with bad bacteria. It is true – waste can serve as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Essentially, it is the reason for the existence of waste treatment systems in the first place.
Septic tanks require good bacteria to function.
Your tank’s bacteria devour solid wastes that are then digested by the bacteria and finally broken down into gases through digestion. Keeping your tank efficient and preventing early pump-outs is also ensured by reducing solid waste added to the sludge layer.
It is natural to be apprehensive when your septic technician tells you bacteria are present in your septic system. It’s a good thing!
The lifespan of a septic system is limited
There is a limit to how long a septic tank can last. The life expectancy of a well-designed, installed and maintained septic tank is at least 30 years. Maintaining the septic tank properly can extend its lifespan. One reason why owners of septic systems should be aware of products that may harm their systems. Septic tanks, however, have to be replaced eventually. A home buyer should have this information when evaluating a property.
Depending on how old the tank is, you can estimate how long it can last before it needs to be replaced.
Septic pumping becomes more difficult in winters
The winter months are more difficult for pumping septic tanks than the summer months. During extremely cold weather, your manhole cover may freeze, making it difficult to dig out and access your septic tank. If you live in a cold climate, ensure your tank and pipes are well insulated to prevent frozen pipes.
You might have trouble finding your clean-out or locating your tank components if snow is on the ground. Save yourself the extra expense and have the septic tank pumping in Bremerton before freezing weather occurs since digging and locating the clean-out or manhole cover takes longer during cold weather.
Chemical drain cleaners shouldn’t be used on septic systems
Solid waste in a septic tank is broken down by naturally occurring bacteria. Most homeowners will reach for chemical drain cleaners whenever a drain becomes clogged.
While chemicals are great for killing germs around the house, they are not the best solution for cleaning drains. Using chemicals is not recommended due to their high corrosivity.
By killing enzymes and bacteria in the septic tank, the cleaner makes it less effective in treating wastewater and sewage. Chemicals used repeatedly can damage pipes and contaminate underground water supplies.
Here are some alternative methods for clearing clogs in a septic system:
- Hot water
- Bio enzyme cleaners
- A plumbing snake
- Baking soda and vinegar mixture
An empty septic tank could be deadly.
Even empty septic tanks can pose a threat to the health of the user. The septic tank is used not only for collecting wastewater and bacteria but also for storing toxic gases. Several gases are involved in this process, including methane, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and carbon dioxide.
Variables such as sewage composition, time, pH components, temperature, and other factors affect the concentrations of these gases. Shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes, and constant coughing are common symptoms of these toxic gases, even in small concentrations. High concentrations of these gases can be deadly.
There’s More to Septic Systems Than Toilets
Do you have a specific image when you think about your septic system? Usually, it’s the toilet. A septic system is much more than just a toilet. You have a septic system that drains everything in your home, including your kitchen, bathroom, and other sinks. This includes your shower, bathtub, and laundry as well! Septic systems are responsible for more than just treating toilet waste. It treats all your home’s wastewater.
Conclusion
Danos Septic offers a wide range of professional septic services. We are capable of pumping septic systems, installing septic systems, and inspecting septic systems. We aim to meet the customer’s needs and complete all septic Bremerton jobs professionally and precisely. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for a septic inspection or installation.
